BOXING: Seconds out, as Marlborough get started

MARLBOROUGH Amateur Boxing club are ready to knuckle down to business after declaring their new home fighting fit.

The club marked the end of 18 months worth of renovations to the formerly-disused Elcot Lane pavilion by inviting Irish boxer-turned actor and Mike Tyson’s former sparring partner Joe Egan and veteran Swindon fighter Ricky Porter to their official open day last Saturday.

Marlborough ABC were given permission to move to Elcot Lane in 2009 and the transformation was kicked off in July 2012 when the club received just under £44,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

Wiltshire Council and the Marlborough Sports Forum have also contributed grants to help the club refurbish their new base and coach Steve Hurst is hoping to begin welcoming boxers through the pavilion doors next week.

“It’s taken a long time to get all of the work done but it’s finally been finished and we’re looking to start running sessions next week,” said Hurst.

“We’re planning to be open on Tuesday and Thursday nights. We’ve been working with Devizes Boxing Club, who are open on Mondays and Wednesdays, and that way, people can go along to either club for extra sessions if they want to.

“We’ve had a new ring and five punch-bags put in, as well as a soft floor for contact activities.

“We’re also in the process of finishing off our disabled facilities.

“It’s completely different now because the pavilion used to be more of a social club and I think it only had one toilet.

“Saturday was a really good day. We had about 100 people come in to have a look around and it was great to have a few famous visitors too.”

Marlborough ABC will welcome boxers aged 12 and over but Hurst says that the club are on the lookout for volunteers keen to get involved with the club.

He added: “We’ve only got four coaches so we are looking for people who want to help out.

“I understand that two nights a week can be difficult to commit to but we’d love for anyone who has a sporting background or even just parents who are interested in the club to get in touch.”

For more information, visit marlborough-abc.co.uk or contact Hurst on 07765 243639.

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